Hydrogen-enriched water, also known as hydrogen water, has gained significant attention in recent years from both consumers and the scientific community. One of the most frequently asked questions is: is it truly safe to drink? The short answer is yes — and here's why.

Official FDA Recognition (USA)

On November 28, 2014, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially recognized that adding hydrogen to beverages and drinking water is completely safe and permissible. This decision was made under GRAS Notice No. 520 in response to a query from the American firm MitoGene Beverage Company, LLC.

The FDA concluded that, based on available scientific data, it has no objections or questions regarding the safety of hydrogen dissolved in water. Hydrogen was granted Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status. You can view the official notice in the FDA's public GRAS registry.

Research in Japan and South Korea

Japan is the world leader in molecular hydrogen research. A landmark 2007 publication in Nature Medicine titled "Hydrogen acts as a therapeutic antioxidant by selectively reducing cytotoxic oxygen radicals" opened the floodgates for scientific investigation. Since then, more than 2,000 peer-reviewed studies have been published on the effects of H₂ on living organisms.

In 2016, Japan's Ministry of Health approved hydrogen inhalation devices as advanced medical equipment for treating post-cardiac arrest syndrome. In South Korea, hydrogen water is widely available and regulated as a safe functional product.

Safe H₂ Concentrations

The concentration of dissolved molecular hydrogen in water is measured in parts per billion (ppb) or milligrams per liter (mg/L). Modern hydrogen generators produce water with concentrations ranging from 800 to 5,000 ppb (0.8–5.0 mg/L). At these levels, hydrogen does not alter the pH, taste, or odor of the water and has no known side effects.

It is important to note that molecular hydrogen is a natural gas that our body produces in small amounts during digestion, thanks to intestinal bacteria. Therefore, it is not a foreign substance to the human body.

Who Can Drink Hydrogen Water?

There are no known contraindications. Hydrogen water is suitable for adults, elderly people, athletes, and children. However, as with any supplement, it is advisable to consult a doctor during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or in cases of specific medical conditions. Clinical studies conducted on elderly participants (65+) and patients with various conditions have reported no adverse effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much hydrogen water can I drink per day?
Most research suggests drinking 1 to 3 liters per day. No upper limit has been established, as excess hydrogen is naturally exhaled through breathing.

Does hydrogen water interact with medications?
To date, no interactions between molecular hydrogen and medications have been reported. However, if you are taking medication, it is recommended to consult your doctor.

Can hydrogen water be used for cooking?
Hydrogen evaporates quickly when water is heated, so it is best to drink it fresh, immediately after generation, to take full advantage of its properties.

What is the difference between hydrogen water and alkaline water?
Hydrogen water contains dissolved molecular hydrogen gas (H₂) and has a neutral pH. Alkaline water has a high pH but does not necessarily contain dissolved hydrogen. These are two completely different concepts — the therapeutic benefits studied in over 2,000 papers are attributed specifically to molecular H₂, not to pH levels.